(Lamping for ©trie 



By HORTENSE GARDNER GREGG 




Are you weary of the old life ? 
Do you long for something better ? 
Come with me into the freedom 
Of the wild. 




In the Freedom of the Wild 



Z\:c Invitation 

I will lead you to the wonders 
of the finest hinds enchanted, 
To the waters of Youth's Fountain 
Undefiled. 




Come With Me 



And ymir soul may drink in rapture 
Till a new life throbs within you 
And you dwell content with all things, 
Just a child. 




The Spirit of the Wild 



Copyright by the Author 



Camping For Girls 

BY 

HORTENSE GARDNER GREGG 

Dedicated to my dear friend Ethel Bradbury, in memory of 
those old cainping days and the "sunsets gold," when 




Dreaming sweet dreams in the twilight still 
O'er rose-tinted waters we drifted at will, 
Drifted where mirrored a fairy world lay — 

Dreaming and dreaming, away, and— away. 



NORWAY, ME. : 

ADVERTISER BOOK PRINT 
1907 



fLIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 
DEC 14 190? 

Copyflint tntry 
CLASS A XXC, No. 



COPY 



Hntuobuctor\> 



Out from tlie dim sbadow-beart of tlie forest, 

Thro 1 mystic, green arch-ways the leafy trees span, 

Sweetly tlie myriad voices of Nature 
Call lo the languishing spirit of man. 

A summer's outing to the average working girl often 
means but a few weeks' change from hot, stifling city 
stores and factories to some crowded sea shore hotel, 
where the hard earned money of weary months is soon 
spent in dress promenades along the beach. 

Here the days are filled with naught but foolish 
pleasures — casinos, theatres, park entertainments, an 
occasional drive, maybe, and surf bathing (the only 
beneficial feature of it all) . And these, crowned with 
evenings spent in close, heated rooms at fancy, social 
hops — do you think it any wonder that weary of life the 
poor girl returns to her humdrum round of duties, a 
little tanned, perhaps, but otherwise more tired than 
before ? 

Of what benefit is such a vacation ? 

For half the money thus spent the following chapters 
will tell you how to spend the summer months and truly 
enjoy an outdoor life. 

Why should we be weak ! Why not be strong like 
our brothers? Did Nature intend that we should drag 
out our lives in such narrow ways of existence as most 
of us spend it to-day ? 

This last question came to the writer a few years ago 
when compelled by ill health to give up her chosen 
work. And her soul, rising above its weaker body, 
answered emphatically — NO ! 



IO INTRODUCTORY 

With a firm determination to find the true road to 
health she sought such employment as was best for her, 
and even if salary were not munificent 'twas just enough, 
with freedom to follow her own sweet will. During 
hours she could call her own she turned her face toward 
Nature and left for a time society friends and the fashion- 
able world. She found she could live as well as before 
and was deprived of none of the necessities of life. And 
O, the joy of living ! 

To live in the w Is one must have a shelter of some 

kind — a tent is all that is needed in summer for boys, 
all that is needed for girls (if they would but think so). 
Anyway a simple, one-room board camp can be made, 
dry and comfortable for a rainy day, but sleep in a tent, 
or, in pleasant weather, even out of doors 'neath the 
tree starlit heavens. 

It is wonderful how soon one loves such a life, and 
how many things that were once a necessity soon become 
needless. Food, warmth, and shelter — this is all life 
demands — and the woods can give it. With every 
breath of the sweet, piney air the blood bounds with 
new vitality through your veins, new strength comes, 
and lite is so good to live! 

Health brings true happiness, the greatest boon of life. 
And where and how shall we seek to obtain good 
health: Not to the doctors with their drugs and medi- 
cines, not to fashionable summer resorts, but to the very 
heart of Nature, go — and you'll rind it there, if you 
patiently search aright. 

TIh- author writes especially to her sisters, for rejoic- 
ing in her own perfectly restored health she begs them 
follow her example and raise the physical standard of 
womanhood to-day. 



INTRODUCTORY I I 

O, girls, of both city and country, leave the small 
artificialities of life — leave all that tends to undermine 
your health, and lay the foundation for generations to 
come. Strive to regain that lost strength and beauty 
which characterized those women of the past, who in 
America's great, unconquered forests, bravely fought, 
side by side with their brothers, to give us the freedom 
we now enjoy. 

Nothing is grander than a perfect woman ! 



Spring 



Spring gives to the out door girl : 

Early morning walks over crusted fields and through 
open woodlands — maple sugar season in camp — waking 
I nooks — silvered willows. 

Rubber-boot tramps, when roads are otherwise im- 
passable, across moist, brown fields, to where marshes 
give first glimpses of life — early birds, crows, bluebirds, 
robins, etc. — early flowers, hepaticas, arbutus, violets, 
etc. 

Trees a-bloom and fields a-green — sweet songs every- 
where — unfolding leaf-buds — and then, 

The roses of June are with us! 




When Sunbeams Kiss the Snows Away 



Camping for Girls 

CHAPTER I. 

HOW TO BEG] X. 

Make your dwelling, tho 1 it. be 

Bui a day, 
Fnmi the ceaseless human strife, 

Far away, 
"Where t lie bird notes sweet and clear 

Haunt the shade 

Of Hie leafy, forest-temple 
God hath made. 

You, who are working day after day, shut away from 
the sunlight and air, in some dingy shop, or crowded 
store or narrow office, say to yourself: "I will save a 
small sum of my earnings and spend my next summer 
vacation as far from this life as possible." 

Find a half dozen others of a 'like mind, and during 
the winter plan it together. Form a little club if you 
like and meet each week. Have a common fund to add 
to for expenses, such as tent, provisions, etc. 

Then, when temptation for a new party gown comes, 
buy instead a dress suitable for the woods. A serge or 
broadcloth walking skirt, at least six inches from the 
ground, of a gray mixture, is good, a loosely made waist, 
a kind of shin waist effect, with a sweater in place of 
a coat. 

Ot course, the true outdoor girl never wears stays, 
and so a broad bell fastened to the skirt and made of the 
same material, is best and neatest. A white wash hat 
with broad brim is very nice and cool to wear oh a 
sunny day, on rainy days a rubber hat with wide brim 
at hack like your brother's, and on cloudy days— no 
hat at all ! 



CAMPING FOU GIRLS 1$ 

Wear jersey underwear and seersucker skirts. Waists 
and outside skirts of jean are very neat and natty, wash 
easily and require no ironing. Starched frills and 
furbelows are unknown to followers of the "blazed 
trails." 

The khaki suits, which have lately found favor in 
Fashion's eye, have proved their value to the outdoor 
girl and will doubtless be worn by her long after Style 
decrees "something new." These suits, made from the 
regulation cloth of our U. S. soldiers, are washable and 
light and cool for summer, while being closely woven, 
they defy the many thorns and scratchy branches of the 
wilderness roads. 

And say good-bye to those high heeled, pointed toed 
shoes in which you have toddled (for we cannot say 
walked) over pavements or danced to the music of a 
ballroom. O, what a relief to the poor tortured feet to 
walk at last natural and free ! 

Personally, I have found the white tennis shoe (white 
soled) is best for warm weather, and for fall the elk- 
skin moccasin cannot be improved on. To be sure 
either of these may wet through, but they dry easily, 
and are flexible and light, whereas leather shoes become 
stiff and heavy. Don't mind wet feet, girls, just keep 
moving till they are dry, and the fear of a cold is need- 
less. Colds ! Such trifling distempers belong only to 
the life you have left, to damp, sunless apartments and 
chilly draughts of impure air. They are unknown here 
in the glad, sweet freedom of sunshine and woodland 

breeze. 

And thus, with a little sacrifice to vanity and small 
deprivations of the latest society fads, you will find in 
the spring you have collected a neat little outfit, have 



M> CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

saved the required amount and arc all prepared to spend 
an entire summer as, perhaps, you have never spent it 
before. 

"Girls," Madam Grundy declares, "must have chap- 
erones," so find a congenial married companion, elderly 
in years, bul young in all things else, to accompany you. 
If, however, you tear a life in the woods without the 
security of a "manly protector," then, of course, your 
chaperone's husband must also come — but, girls, he sure 
he is a lazy man, for, remember, you are going forth to 
learn from Nature absolute self-reliance. 

A small lake near a farmhouse is an ideal place to 
camp, about a mile from a country village. About a 
mile, I say, for that is a good daily walking distance to 
post-office and supply stoie — often-times all in one. 

Do not take provisions, buy from the treasury you 
have tilled during the winter. 

A hand grip is all that is necessary for clothing — no 
great Saratoga.for a trip like this. One ordinary trunk, 
however, will be very convenient in which to pack the 
camp properties. 

Have a tent of khaki duck, io\i2 feet, 4-foot walls. 
You will find this to be preferable to the commoner 
white duck because it does not soil so easily, neither arc- 
insects attracted so readily. 

Be suit' and have a haversack, 'tis almost indispen- 
sable. This is best made ol white duck, with rounded 
coiners and (lap to overlap and strap with small buckle 
"i fiont. A broad strap fastened at the sides to go over 
the shoulder should be three inches in width. The ba°- 
should not hang too low. 

This haversack will be very handy in which to carry 
provisions from store to camp, and on hundreds of other 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 1 7 

occasions. .Suspend it from one shoulder, having it rest 
just hack of the hip. Many slip the strap over the head 
across the chest, hut I find in this way the lungs are apt 
to be compressed and breathing hindered, especially 
when climbing hills. 

Use your own ingenuity and skill as to small pockets 
stitched inside for various articles. Improve on the 
following as you think best for your individual needs — 
but don't take too many trifles. After a few trips you 
will learn just what is required. 

Here is where the art of condensation comes in. 



Contents of grip. 

An extra waist of whatever 

wash material desired, 
Bathing suit, white duck hat, 
Pair plain hose, tennis shoes, 
Rain coat, haversack, 
Turkish hath towels, 
Soap, dish towels, 
Handkerchiefs, 
One set jersey underwear, 
Comb, tooth brush, sponge, 
Scissors, thread, needles, 
Pins, darning cotton, etc., 
Stamped envelopes, 
Postcards, stationery, pencils. 



Contents of trunk. 

Dark gray blanket each, 
Axe, hunting knife, rifle, 

Rubber floor and table cloths, 

Dishes — pail, kettle, coffee- 
pot, frying pan, baker. 

Aluminum plate, dipper, fork, 
knife, spoon each, 

One dozen screw hooks, 

3-foot square sheet iron, 

Compass, oil stone, 

Surgeon plaster, ginger ext. 

Matches, lantern, candles, 

Oil of citronella. 

Several yds. mosquito netting. 



The blankets may be rolled inside the tent, firmly 
strapped, and checked thus, if preferred. 

Let us see, for a party of six : 

One hand grip each, and two articles of baggage 
(tent and trunk) to be checked. That is all. This 
should come under the chaperone's especial care, besides 
the responsibility of five young girls, cut loose from the 
bonds of labor, keenly alive to the free, happy days 
before. But, dear reader, 'tis a pleasant task. I 
know, for — I have been chaperone ! 



Summer. 



To the outdoor girl the summer months bring unlimited 
gifts: 

Long walks in the early morn or dewy eve — drives 
over pleasant country roads — woodland rambles. 

Pleasures of all kinds — picnics, camping parties, boat- 
ing, bathing, tennis, golf. 

Nature study in all branches — birds, flowers, ferns, 
mosses, sedges, trees, minerals, insect and animal life — 
and then, 

Nature throws aside her gown of green and robes 
herself in crimson, brown and gold, for the harvest 
mouths ha\ e come. 




When, God Smiles Everywhere. 



2o CAMPING FOR GIRLS 



CHAPTER II. 

FIRST NIGHT IN CAMP. 

<), lair were the sunset clouds at even 1 , 
Asleep in t be arms of the crimson west ! 

All gold, with the light of sunbeams riven, 
Over the lake they rest. 

A-quiver with life on the highest limb 
The brown thrush sings in the tree above — 

Siugs to the day a farewell hymn, 
To his mate a song of love. 

Bidding adieu to the hot, dusty city you board the 
train and are whirled away — away to God's free coun- 
try. Maine offers many ideal camping spots with her 
pleasant farms, lakes, mountains and wooded vales. 

At the station engage a team to transport all baggage 
— tent, grips, etc., to your chosen camping ground, 
while yon walk the distance getting acquainted with the 
country as you go. Presumably the owner of the wagon 
is also the owner of the land you have rented on which 
to pitch your tent, and his home not far from the lake. 
You will find human nature at its best in these country 
homes and there is no limit to the kind accomodations 
given. A pleasant vacation is before you. 

From the dusty highway at last the farmer turns to a 
rough, stony pasture road, and the one who perchance 
has ridden thus far (the chaperone probably) will now 
he -lad to walk. Even the driver may prefer to lead 
his horse. In a practically open spot near the lake the 
luggage is dumped and, his proffered services being 
gaily refused, with a hearty imitation to visit his house 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS '21 

and "call on fer enny thing we hev ye need,'" the genial 
driver clatters away. 

An opening where the breezes can enter freely and 
disperse more or less the insect pests has the advantage 
of the shade — and, too, there is less danger from sparks 
igniting the wood growth. 

If possible learn to pitch a tent yourselves, and also 
learn to swing an axe. Be independent, girls ! Don't 
be called a "sweet bother" any longer. Don't rely on 
a brother's helping hand. Show him what a girl can do. 
There is no better exercise in the world for develop- 
ment of muscles in the shoulder and back than felling 
wood. 

Now for work to have everything done before dark. 
There are six of us and each must be given her allotted 
task. 

Who can pitch the tent? Let the girl who has 
camped with her big brother and "seen it done" choose 
the strongest one to help her. She who can swing the 
axe, cut the tent-poles, fis boughs and fire-wood, aided 
by another, who gathers all together near the tent and 
fire-place, piling the last within reach of the cook. The 
fifth girl unpacks the trunk and builds the fire-place, 
while the sixth prepares the supper. 

There may be three hours left before dark. 

A few words as to pitching the tent. 

If no hard wood poles are brought cut a long pole the 
length of the tent and two uprights corresponding with 
its height, having forked tips. 

When no floor is laid a ditch should be dug around 
the tent walls to drain off rain water, also two holes in 
which to sink the uprights a few inches. Spread out 
the canvass so the top lies free with the walls still folded 



2 2 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

beneath. Place the horizontal, which is the ridge-pole, 
under the tenl across the center. Put uprights beneath 
each end, lift to position dropping them into the ground 
holes already made. Drive- stakes along sides for guv 
ropes and stretch in place. Be sure the roof slant is the 
right pitch to shed rain. Have a tent fly for better pro- 
tection in wet weather. 

A large quantity of pine needles spread beneath the 
tent make very good beds for one night, when time is 
limited. Over these lav the floor blankets (rubber side 
down). Pack fir boughs well around the walls to keep 
out the intruding mosquito. Fasten a cord across the 
head of the bed, about two feet above, over which to 
drape the netting. By the way, an inside tent of cheese- 
cloth to drop down at night would be a luxury indeed. 
(iet one if possihlc. 

Among "Hints," Chapter V., will be found instruc- 
tions to make an ideal bough bed, and be sure and have 
one by the second night. 

Along the ridge-pole and up and down the uprights 
screw in the small hooks on which to hang articles of 
clothing, etc. Roll up your sweaters for pillows, pile 
neatly the folded blankets, move in the trunk and your 
work is done. Sit down by the tire and rest, and watch 
the others work, for yours has been the hardest task. 

Meanwhile a good supply of wood has been cut, 
water brought from the spring, fire built, potatoes boiled 
and ready to remove from lire, for no one has been idle. 
Drain off the water and set the kettle near the fire with 
the cover well on, that its contents may steam and keep 
warm while the remainder of the supper is cooked. 

Next lay the sheet iron top over the fireplace, which for 
now is roughly built of rocks on three sides with opening 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 23 

in front. On this place the coffee-pot (one spoonful of 
coffee each and an extra for luck). Fill the pot with 
boiling water and let set a few moments. 

While the steak is being broiled (or fried) have the 
table in readiness, which will probably be, this first 
night, but the cloth spread on the ground. 

All is now ready. Throw off the iron top, take the 
potatoes from the kettle, fill it with water and suspend 




Preparing the First Supper, 



with a crane of green sticks over the blaze. Build up a 
brighter fire and gather around the board, or cloth rather 
— and I have eaten many a meal from off an unfolded 
newspaper. 

Plan to have all wood needed for the night gathered, 
beds made, clothing in place and all things done before 



2 I CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

dark, though you have to cat by firelight— and, girls, 

wash your dishes* too, no matter if it be midnight, for 
to the one whose lot it may be to rise with the sun and 
get breakfast, there is nothing more heartrending than a 
litter of unwashed dishes. 

And no meal eaten in the days to come, however 
richer in quality or greater in quantity, will ever quite 
equal this, the firs/ ! 

Though, perhaps, a little tired with the day's journey 
and housekeeping duties just done, nevertheless the 
dancing firelight shines upon a circle of happy contented 
faces — for, oh, it is such a different "tired" from that 
old dragged-out, discouraged feeling, when weary of 
the day's labor you climbed those long flights to your 
little attic room. Only a fitful, nervous sleep those short 
hums of darkness gave, and with the day dawn, which 
came so soon, you rose but little refreshed for another 
struggle with that merciless tyrant, Work. 

The old life is over for a time. A night (and many 
nights) of rest is before you in God's sweet, free out of 

door--. 

After dishes are washed by a favored( ?) two, put upon 
the fire a large stump and a lot of pine Cones (if you are 
so thoughtful as to have found them before dark), and 
lay comfortabl) around, half dreaming and planning for 
the morrow, and other morrows to come. 

Now is the time when our brothers would smoke. Of 
that pleasant evil we do not partake (the fire-smoke suf- 
fices to keep the mosquito distant) but if we like we can 
toast marshmallows on long pointed, green sticks, eat 
olives or pickles, roast peanuts, corn— or, best of all, 
chew gum , and we will be just as happy in our own 
way. 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 25 

O, the brooklet sang of freedom 

In that silent, wooded land, 
Rippling o'er the mossy ledges, 

Foaming o'er the rocks and sand; 
While our camp-fire burning brightly 

Shed around a cheerful glow, 
Lighting up the distant treetops, 

Making shadows deeper grow. 

By and by gay conversation lags, the silent mystery 
of the wood steals in, and only a low toned voice now 
and then is heard. Perhaps one or two weary travellers 
are already sleeping. 

The chaperone most likely will announce the hour of 
"bed-time," then cover the fire carefully, leaving a few 
glowing coals maybe, and tumble in on your first outdoor 
bed. If properly made you will enjoy your couch, and 
even if you do not sleep much, this your first night 'mid 
strange surroundings, you will rest! 

If the night be cool each roll up in your separate 
blanket. 

Gradually silence steals over camp and sleep comes at 
last to all except to you, who, perhaps, may be a little 
more timid than your companions. Yet, what is there 
to fear? Safe and warm 

* * * 'neath blanket covers, 

From a couch of fragrant pine, 
Dreamily you watch the firelight 

Thro' the narrow opening shine. 
Night-wind spirits float around you, 

Whispering of peace and rest, 
All things earthly are forgotten 

Save the truest and the best. 

But oh, those, great, black shadows that lingered just 
beyond the camp-fire circle all the evening, advancing 
and retreating, while somehow your eyes would wan- 



26 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

der furtively toward them though you joined in your 
friends' gay repartee — now, after waiting patiently they 
are creeping nearer as the glowing coals die out. 

Brighter the stars shine above and the brook-voice 
sings louder and louder as the stillness grows more and 
more still. 

Oh, for a moon ! 

A distant night bird calls, the lake-waves ripple softly 
. on the shore — and all these sounds, blending sweetly, 
sooth even the most wakeful. Your eyes close at last, 
sleep is almost — 

I lark ! A twig snaps just without the tent, and wide 
awake von half arise with fast beating heart, expecting 
some unknown monster of the wild to come creeping 
through the opening. 

Sniff, sniff, sniff — yon can stand it no longer. You 
whisper to the girl beside you and that whisper passes 
around. All listen breathless, striving not to wake the 
weary chaperone. At last one braver than the rest 
(perhaps it is you after all) ventures to look without, 
her groping hand strikes some dipper or plate which 
comes clattering to the ground. 

A scurry of feet and a dark object disappears into the 
deeper woods. 

"What's that?" cries the startled chaperone. 

No one speaks for — no one knows. 

Fear is gone, but also is all inclination to sleep, and 
tdl day dawn low voiced exclamations and suppressed 
giggles come frequently from huddled heaps of blankets. 
Bui truly, girls, after one night spent sleeping out of 
doors you give little heed to midnight visitors (they are 
harmless, remember), and will rest undisturbed till 
morning comes. 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 2^ 

Pack away your foods safely before retiring, especially 
meats, and all will be well. 

Don't be afraid of the dark or mysterious wood noises. 
Nothing will harm you. Cure yourselves of all foolish, 
nervous fears. Insects, like hornets, ants and spiders 
will not hurt you, and snakes will flee from you faster 
than you from them. 

And mice I 

Girls, girls, if you must be afraid of other wee bits of 
life, I pray you don't, don't scream and run should a 
tiny wood mouse cross your path ! Anyway be brave 
in the presence of this little creature. Don't let the 
stronger sex laugh at us any more. Conquer this if 
nothing else. 

All the wood folk are too busy with their own life 
duties to mind such an insignificant thing as a human 
being. They may pause a moment to watch with cu- 
rious eyes the intruder in their haunts, or pry with 
searching noses among your provisions, but they will 
soon pass on and thereafter simply ignore, if unmolested, 
the stranger who comes to live among them for a time. 



Hutumn. 



To the outdoor girl, Nature's bright smiles in her 
resting-time arc very winning. 

Those golden days of September, those cloudless, 
blue skies of October, and lovely Indian summer of 
\<i\ ember. 

When the last sweet gentian-flower closes its blue 
eye the harvest of the summer toil is gathered — a few 
brief days for recreation, nutting parties, bunting, etc. — 
and then, 

Winter comes from the north-lands, and all is white 
and still. 




When Nature Bests a Moment. 



3° 



CAMPINCj for girLs 



CHAPTER 111. 



1 [RST DAY IN CAMP. 

Crimson glow the eastern hilltops, 
Night's dark curtain rolls away 

Arid by golden sunbeams heral'd 
Dawns another day. 

Camp life is astir early the first morning, and when 
the sun appears above the hills across the lake his seem- 
ingly tardy beams find several dancing figures upon the 
beach, all robed for a "dip" in the still mirror-waters. 

A smoke rising from 
the fireplace tells of 
breakfast preparing, 
while (nit on the lake 
drifts a boat \\ ith an 
industrious maid pa- 
tiently angling for a 
speckled dainty. 

After a brief de- 
lightful splash the 
merry bathers return 
to camp and are soon 
prepared for what 
the day may bring. 
Ths Fisher-maid Paddles Ashore Breakfast is nearly 
ready by the chosen cook for the day, but cream is de- 
sired for the coffee and a delegation of two tramp to the 
farmhouse across the dewy fields. 




CAMPING FOR GIRLS 3 1 

A sweet warble from the woodland shadows calls the 
bird lover to investigate. 

The "little fisher-maiden" paddles ashore and proudly 
adds her catch to the morning repast. 

And how good it all tasted — those fried fish and 
potato, cereal, doughnuts, coffee, etc., eaten in the early 
morn ! 

Without doubt your farmer friend will loan you a 
few boards out of which to construct a table. Don't 
ask him to make it — do it yourselves. Boxes will 
answer nicely for seats. A shelf nailed between two 
trees with a small mirror fastened to a limb and a towel 
hung beside it, makes a very convenient toilet stand. 









A Cosy Outdoor Home. 



Hammocks may be swung here and there in the 
shade, and day by day little improvements made till a 
cosy outdoor home grows like magic in the wilderness. 
Should a rain set in for several days seek the hospitable 



-7 2 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

farmhouse for your meals, ask permission to spread your 
blankets on the hay in the barn and see what a night 
thus spent will bring, (provided, of course, no thunder 
showers are present). 

Do not live, even for a day, in the old civilized way 
during this vacation. 

Take a few books for light reading, perhaps, to while 
away some warm, lazy afternoon hours, but, girls, leave 
your fancy work and all such things of the other life — 
forget them when you go to the woods. 

And don't lay around and yawn and say, "The coun- 
try's so slow, what can I do?" Open your eyes to the 
wonders all about you. If you are a botanist, take your 
dryers and magnifying glass — if an ornithologist, take 
your field glasses and seek to extend your lore by find- 
ing and watching the birds in their daily home-life. 
Add something new yourself to what is already known. 
Even Audubon himself may have failed to record some 
important fact your watchful eye may see. 

If your taste tends toward photography, take your 
kodak ; if an artist's gift be yours, take crayon, colors 
and sketch book. Nature will give you many pictures 
to reproduce, her resources are inexhaustible. 

Did you ever go pearl fishing? Doubtless you have 
spaded for clams at low tide on the seashore and relished 
that savory extra to your morning meal, but have you 
sought them for the lovely fresh water pearls hidden in 
our northern brooks ? It maybe discouraging at first, 
and many a clam opened for naught, but don't lose heart 
and a beautiful pearl will be yours at last. 

And gems 1 The geologist of the party will not be 
content until she has wrested from the mountain rocks 
their well guarded treasures. Garnet, beryl, tourma- 



34 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

lin, topaz — all these and others may be found if persist- 
ently, intelligently sought. 

The bugologist, too, will find a large field for her 
investigations, and many a "specimen" is brought by 
her to camp to the utter disgust and tenor of her com- 
panions — to say nothing of the myriads of insects that 
come ////invited. 

Then there is tennis, boating, bathing, fishing, and 
so on indefinitely. Time will pass quickly, pleasantly 
and profitably. Just try and see. 

To the majority of girls this life may seem to have 
little attraction, but while the novelty lasts I almost 
know there will be — there must he — a certain charm in 
the freedom of the wild. 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 



35 



CHAPTER IV 



UP A MOUNTAIN RROOK. 



Some cool, clear morning pack a lunch in your 
haversacks and take an all-day tramp up a nearby 
mountain. Observe Nature in all her forms, in detail 




and blended as a whole. Be sure and take a kodak as 
many beautiful pictures abound everywhere. 

Follow a brook if possible, along its hank or stepping 
from rock to rock in its shallow bed, but return by some 
trail through the woods. Unless one of the party is 
familiar with the mountain ways a guide must be 
engaged. 



36 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

Ofttimes the way will be very steep and at first glance 
seemingly inaccessable, but "where there's a will there's 
a way" around. Here is where the rubber sole of the 
tennis prows its worth. Snre-footed as the llama of the 
Andes, aided by a strong pole, yon can leap from stone 
to stone, scale ledges, climb over fallen trees or push 
through underbrush tangles — ever upward making your 
way. 

By noon vou will find many miles have been traversed. 
Rest as often as desired, lying on the back so as to 
relax every muscle of the body. A lunch eaten by the 
clear, running stream, be it merely egg sandwiches 
spiced with watercress gathered from the brook and 
moistened with the cool water, will taste so good after 
a climb like this. 

And what have you seen and heard on the way? 

Speckled trout, perchance, lying in deep shadowed 
pools and fanning the water with silver fins as they wait 
tlie coming of insects : bright-winged warblers flitting 
here and there in the sunlight and modest brown wood 
thrushes trilling from the denser shade ; bear scratches 
on tree trunks and various tracks in the softer ground — 
and too, 'tis not an unusual thing to come upon a deer 
drinking from a stream, that is if you are stealing quietly 
along. No doubt you will be, for even the most talk- 
ative maid cannot but feel the power of the solitude and 
her voice will be subdued, or hushed altogether, when 
once the spirit of the wood has touched her. 

Rare Mowers and ferns grow everywhere. Trees 
form arches of beautiful green, mosses and lichens 
cover the -ray rocks, and 'mid all this silent beauty the 
brook-voice sings on and on — the sweetest sound in all 
Nature to me. Whether it be rippling o'er the mosses, 



•^8 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

singing o'er the stones, rushing' in minature cataracts oft' 
steeper ledges to fall in scattered foam, or sleeping in 
quiet pools, 'tis the true spirit of the wild and— my heart 
understands. 

In the mossed crevices of some rock-ledge, where only 
a stray sunbeam ever finds its way, you may chance 
upon the maidenhair spleenwort. Never shall 1 forget 
my first discovery of this lovely fern ! 

Our guide had led us up our first mountain. Breath- 
less we paused at the foot of a ponderous cliff* that 
stretched up and up, a great, rugged wall. Below the 
narrow shelf on which we stood the treetops fell away 
in sharp descent. 

"The spleenwort grows along here," remarked our 
guide with a queer smile, "find it yourselves." 

Did he think we girls would never attempt to fol low- 
such a path where a misstep would mean certain death? 
Well, he had yet to learn the extent of our courage. 

Franklv, even /, who was never known to fear, would 
have suggested our guide going alone had I not seen 
that k 'smile," hut nothing could have daunted me after 
thai ! I reasoned with the safe rubher-soled tennis shoe 
and a proper degree of caution I could trust my feet to 
tread that narrow way, so I boldly stepped ahead, with 
my companion close behind and our guide following 
after. 

Did he still wear that "smile" I wondered, but dared 
not turn my head to see. Straight on, our eyes fixed on 
the goal and hands clinging to the ledge, carefully we 
made our way. One glance downward — 

l>ut our efforts were fully rewarded. Presently we 
reached a broader shelf and a little cry came from my 
companion, her sharper eyes had discovered the spleen- 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 39 

wort. Our guide stood silent, leaning against the rock. 
.Smiling? Yes, but differently! 

On left, on right, and far above, from dark, mossy 
crevices, were those tiny green fronds peeping every- 
where. How beautiful that old gray wall looked. 

And, as we gazed upon those shy, lovely ferns in 
their own natural home, how glad we were that we had 
found them ourselves ! 



Mtntev. 



To the outdoor girl, winter means not to be shut 
within over heated rooms, behind double barricaded 
windows, there to spend long fretful hours by the hot 
tire muffled in woolens — 

Oh, no indeed. To her winter comes with glad days 
of endless fun. She welcomes the cold, the blue and 
white silence, the crisp, invigorating air — she welcomes 
the whirling snowflakes and rough north winds, and 
warmly clothed goes forth to match her strength against 
it all. 

For health, perfect health, is in every firm step, every 
bounding heart-throb, and she returns triumphant, (a 
striking contrast to the pale, listless indoor girl), her 
rosy cheeks and dancing eyes saying truly : 

"Yeni, vidi, vici !" 

Did you ever read the wonderful stories written on 
the snow\ woodland floors — written in the footprints of 
the wild wood folk? If not, go, the first chance you 
have, and see what interesting facts you may learn. 

And too, the study of the leafless trees will prove fully 
as fascinating as the flowers of summer. 




When All is White and Still. 



1- 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 



CHAPTER V. 



What the Woods Can Give 

Sugar — boiled sap of the sugar maple. 

Vinegar — extracted from the yellow birch. 

Tea — roots of the purple avens or dried leaves of the 
Labrador ten. 

Coffee — acorns of the red oak, parched and "round 
finely. 

Flour — reindeer moss, dried and powdered. 

Mushrooms cooked in various ways. 

Of these there are many edible varieties. But let the 
learned botanist determine the harmless ones. From 
the morels, which come to our woods in April, to 
mitrullas of October there are mushrooms and mush- 
rooms — Clavaria, puff ball, fairy ring champignon, 
parasol, oyster, chanterelle, and many others. Fried 
in butter they are delicious, while the mitrullas cooked in 
a milk stew are exceedingly good. 

.1 Few Be Sures 

Be sure and have folding basin and bucket of canvas. 

Be sure and have a water-proof match box well filled. 

Be sure and be mistress of your rifle. You may then 
often add a welcome bit to your larder. 

Be sure and have a ventilated case in which to pre- 
meats. Made of wire netting, tinned at top, with 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 43 

hook inside, this forms a safeguard against all wild wood 
thieves. 

Be sure and have an earth oven. This is a hole two 
leet square and two feet deep, lined with stones. In 
this with the top covered with hot coals and all air 
excluded, beans or fowl may be nicely baked. 

Be sure and save your empty provision cans. Half 
filled with earth well saturated with oil, these will make 
splendid lights, scattered here and there over the camp- 
ground, to dispel the dark of moonless nights. 

Be sure and have a tin baker. This, something of 
the style of kt ye olden time," can be easily made by 
your hardware dealer. A good size is 1 1 1-2 by 12 1-2 
at mouth, 9 1-2 slant to 4 by 12 1-2 at back. The 
incline of top and bottom reflect the heat, when the open- 
ing is turned toward the fire, to the tin shelf within on 
which is the food to be baked. 

Be sure and have a scribe to record the daily happen- 
ings at camp. Such a book will prove a pleasant 
reminder of old times when you meet again the coming 
winter. 
Uozv to Make a Bough Bed 

The thick, flat needles of balsam fir tops are best. 
Hemlock, cedar and spruce, or even cherry, willow, and 
alder, are sometimes used. Put a log at the front of the 
bed and one at the back. Point the ends of the larger 
boughs thrusting them into the ground and "shingle" 
thus from the head to the foot. Over this spread small 
tips till the bed is at least a foot thick. 

Some Good Things to Know 

A small camp stove is very convenient on which to 
cook meals rainy days. 



44 CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

Raw onions soothe insect bites. 

Oil of citronella (liquid mosquito protection) has no 
unpleasant odor and is very good to rub over the face 
and hands when going on a fishing trip. 

Ginger (powdered) dissolved in hot water makes a 
fine tea for curing colds — though, remember, colds are 
seldom know n. 

Salt and water baths will cure all pain of overworked 
muscles. 

An hnportant Be Sure 

Be sure and have a smile for every day, and also a 
good stock of patience, it may be needed at times. 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 



45 



CHAPTER VI. 



WINTER CAMPING. 



Cold days come and Nature sleeps beneath great 
drifts of snow. 

When brooks are silent, all bound in ice, and only a 
a stray bird-note comes from the leafless wood, have you 

not stood on the hard 
beaten road and from 
its narrow limits gaz- 
ed across those white 
fields to the distant 
evergreens? Have 
you not longed to 
stroll there with the 
old freedom of sum- 
mer? The same free- 
dom may still be 
yours if you own a 
pair of snow-webs. 
Across the line in 
Canada our sisters 
have long known the sport of snow-shoeing, and we at 
last are learning. 

Skimming the snowy wastes, over hills and through 
woodlands, the snow-shoe carries you anywhere — any- 
where the heart wishes to go. No more a lonely shutin 
you roam at will into a new world as it were. 




You Roam at Will. 



4<i CAMPING FOR GIRLS 

Skeeing, skating, sleighing, coasting — these are pleas- 
ures the hot summer can never give. 

And winter camping, too. Did you ever think of the 
joys of an outdoor winter? 

Remember, no cottage should be built, just a small, 
unpretentious camp. My winter shelter contains bill 
two rooms each 7x9 feet, height 7 feet. Lighted by six 
swing windows, 'tis simply yet comfortably furnished. 
Here, with a small stove, a cosv open tire and plenty of 
wood, the coldest day is conquered. 




The Coldest Bay is Conquered. 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 47 

Sheltered by trees of pine and hemlock, though 

Rough winds through the open sweep 
And drifted snows lay deep, 

the jolly campers at Tumble Inn care not. 

And O, the fun my little camp has witnessed ! 

Snow-shoe parties by moonlight, candy pulls, oyster 
suppers — all make a pleasant break in the winter 
monotony. 

And after winter, when the maple sap-flow quickens, 
and those merry sugaring-ofts were held ! Then, best 
of all the year can bring, while the partridge-drums 
throb in April woods, at my very door, sweet Arbutus 
breathes a welcome. 

And before winter, when tenting days were ended, 
how beautiful was life in the heart of those golden 
woods ! 



4§ 



CAMPING FOR GIRLS 



All days arc good camping days, dear reader. 

Spring, .summer, autumn, winter— waking, living, 
resting, sleeping — this beautiful world can never be 
described. With Nature you must live and know. 

She may dress in gold or ermine, 
Varied greens or brown hues sombre, 
And to hearts who love her truly 
Each is best. 

O, her mother-heart is calling, 
Calling from the forest shadow — 
Listen, weary one, she whispers: 
Come, and rest. 




And Lo, 'tis Spring 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

I lllilllllpll III 



002 910 305 7 



